Federer the fan favorite

British-Serbian dual citizen Vesna Collins and Dan Smith, lead singer of the indie rock band Bastille, had something in common at Wimbledon on Sunday - both were in the minority wanting Novak Djokovic to beat Roger Federer.

But they got their wish when Djokovic won the singles title for the third time, 7-6(1), 6-7(10), 6-4, 6-3.

A BBC poll released before the match found that since Federer had ousted Scotland's Andy Murray from the championship, an overwhelming majority of about 75 percent of fans were backing Federer to beat the defending champion.

Collins, who left her native Belgrade 25 years ago and lives in London, knew she was a lonely voice in the crowd.

But she wanted Djokovic to win in part because he is a compatriot, but also because "he is moving better, he's fit and he's getting to a lot more balls-that's to be admired."

Smith, 28, said he too felt a bit lonely on Wimbledon's famous Hill, rooting for Djokovic while surrounded by a sea of Federer supporters watching on a giant video screen.

"I'm pretty much the only person on the entire Hill, but I think he's great and I'm not a big fan of Federer's emblazoned jacket and branding," Smith said, refering to the 'RF' logo on Federer merchandise.

Djokovic was asked if it bothered him that his wins at Wimbledon do not seem to translate into support from the spectators, especially when he plays Federer.

"It doesn't. I expected that coming into the match," Djokovic said.

"More or less anywhere I play against Roger, it's the same. So it's just like that. I have to accept it. I have to work and earn (the) majority of the support maybe one day," he said.

Federer, who has won Wimbledon seven times, appreciated the support.

"It's great. It's such a huge part of the game, the crowds," he told a media conference. "To have so much support around the world, particularly here at Wimbledon, is really beautiful."

Reuters